Do TN Democrats have an Education Platform?

So, I'm reading the Tennessee Journal and I'm noting the squabbling among Republicans b/c Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam is talking about the sorry state of Tennessee's education system. Haslam has some ideas: maintain the high standards set by Governor Bredesen, increase autonomy and accountability for principals, improve professional development. These are the basics, anyway. Plus, he plans to talk about public schools -- A LOT. And just focusing attention on Tennessee schools is very worthwhile.

So, Bill Gibbons and Zach Wamp are attacking Haslam, nit-picking at his remarks.

That's nice -- and here's the thing? Where are the Democrats? What will Ward Cammack do to improve Tennessee schools? What about Mike McWherter -- his dad was an education reformer of sorts. What does the legislative record show about Senator Roy Herron or Senator Jim Kyle? Have they shown independence, or allegiance to the entrenched special interests that have prevented real reform?

Kim McMillan? Where are you on schools? Charter Schools? performance pay? new teacher mentoring (with a responsible way to pay for it)?

So far, Bill Haslam is out in front on the one issue that is most important to our state's future.

Still waiting for the Democrats to catch up.

Maybe he'll have better ideas when he's Governor?

According to an article in the Tennessean, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey doesn't have any new suggestions for tackling the ongoing budget challenges in Tennessee. It appears it is too late in the game.

Here's the excerpt:

Lt. Gov. and Senate Speaker Ron Ramsey said Friday that he expected the state to dip further into its $750 million rainy day fund to cover the shortfall. Bredesen is already planning to use $64.6 million from the fund this year, but intends to replace it in the coming year.
Ramsey, who is considering running for governor, has been critical of the state's use of one-time federal stimulus funds to cover yearly budget items, but said Friday it was too late in the fiscal year to make drastic cuts.
"I would prefer not to, but I don't see any way around it," Ramsey said. "I can't think of a better suggestion right now."

Maybe once he's Governor he'll have some ideas?